In the streets of Philadelphia, hunger doesn’t wait. While hundreds of families continue to face uncertainty about their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the community is organizing to ensure no one is left behind.
At food distribution centers, lines begin before dawn. Mothers, grandparents, and workers who have lost their jobs wait in the cold for a box of food that will, for a few days, ease the worry of not knowing what to put on the table. “I’ve been waiting for more than two months to get my benefits approved. Sometimes I must choose between paying the electricity bill or buying milk,” says María López, a mother of three who prefers to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, La Iglesia Primitiva has been providing food to the community for nearly ten years. The program began under the leadership of Reverend Ismael Flores and, since January 2023, continues under Rev. José Rivera, who, along with his team, distributes food every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to about 75–80 individuals and families. These food supplies are provided by Philabundance.
“In light of the government’s situation with the SNAP program, the community shows great concern about how to feed their families. Although the freezing of federal aid has caused uncertainty, our mission remains to serve with love, faith, and prayer, reminding everyone that ‘God always provides,’Rev. Rivera said.
Local authorities acknowledge the growing concern. Meanwhile, volunteers and community networks of solidarity have become the lifeline for thousands of residents.
Facing the increasing need, Mayor Cherelle Parker has announced new forms of assistance and that’s where BenePhilly steps in. Programs like BenePhilly continue to demonstrate that Philadelphia’s strength lies in its people.
María Iannarelli, National Housing Project Director for BenePhilly at Esperanza, emphasized that through their counselors, individuals can receive personalized guidance to complete applications, understand new requirements, and learn about other programs they may qualify for. “We help clients apply more easily and stay informed about program changes,” explained Iannarelli.
She also warned about the rise in SNAP-related scams. “There are people claiming to help with applications who direct individuals to fake websites. That’s a lie — they can steal your money or your identity,” she cautioned. The recommendation is for applicants to use only official portals or visit BenePhilly directly for safe and reliable assistance.
